Dozens of local residents from the two estates in Edenbridge – Spitals Cross and Stangrove Park, held a celebratory reunion party in Doggetts barn on Saturday evening.

The party was organised by a committee from the two estates who wanted to get as many old friends back together for this special evening to remember, when 50 years ago Stangrove Park, and 40 years ago when Spitals Cross was completed and they began the move down from the bustle and bright lights of the City of London, to the sleepy town of Edenbridge.

Audrey Batchelor and Dot Quy arranged for the residents to come from Stangrove estate and Helen Pitfield organised the residents from Spitals Cross estate.

Those who originally moved here from London in the early 60's and 70's, came to the party with every intention of having a good old “Knees-Up” that only Londoner's know how to do, and can really enjoy!

Many who had moved away from Edenbridge since then returned for the party, they came from London, Crowborough, Uckfield, Eastbourne and further afield to enjoy a special evening together with old friends and acquaintances.

The hall was decked out in a typical party atmosphere with streamers, flowers, balloons and St George's flags, tables were neatly laid out as the residents began to arrive and take their seats. Many hadn't seen one another for years, and were delighted at seeing them again after such a long time, each was greeted with handshakes, kisses and hugs, reminiscing about the old times in London and the early days when they arrived in the town.

The local community warden Alex Stevens generously gave his time by helping out as did Michael Flanagan, who collected those from the two estates by mini-bus bringing them to the party and kindly returning them home after it had finished.

For those willing volunteers in the kitchen – Shirley Smith, Julie Wilson (from West Kent Housing - who donated the funding) Brian Batchelor, Ivan Wenman, each made every effort to get all the food and drink ready for the now ready party to begin, those who kindly served the food were Tina Read, Steve Church, Karen Lee and Carol Beech.

Glasses of red and white wine were served with the Londoner's famous and favourite food – Jellied eel's and pie and mash - with the exclusive and delicious liquor (gravy) to compliment this great dish from the capital.

As the party got under way two Edenbridge Forge Singers, Kay Marsh and Caroline Newman arrived as the “Pearly King and Queen” in their marvellous costumes covered in a multitude of buttons, they handed round the song sheets getting everyone prepared to enjoy a good old sing-song together.

Rosemary Camden from the Forge Singers played some great tunes on the keyboards as the Pearly King and Queen led the singing and dancing, they both gave a magnificent performance encouraging everyone to sing the many favourite old songs from years gone by, the party goers got into the full swing and sung out their hearts to the wonderful old sounds of London which filled the hall with joy, laughter and pleasure, giving them all some wonderful memories and reminders of London, with songs such as...

Knees-up mother brown – Maybe it's I'm a Londoner – Lambeth Walk -   

On mother Kelly's doorstep – My Lily of Laguna – Hold your hand out -

and many more, finishing the occasion where everyone linked arms and sung a very fitting song - Auld lang syne.

Also to mark this event, a very special occasion took place, two well known residents celebrated their 50 year wedding anniversary on this day,Tony Waghorn and his wife Pat were cheered and clapped as they entered the hall by all those there, a special cake and flowers were presented to them as they kissed each other, to the delight of the cheering audience.

The raffle took place and the winners stepped up to receive their prizes, again amidst clapping and cheering from everyone.

When the singing was over, tables were moved to make room for the dancing, “DJ Dave” played the music for the disco, within minutes many were up and dancing to the sounds of the old favourites – many tunes that these party goers remembered when they were courting back in London, in the “Good old days”.

It was with-out doubt a huge success, and it is hoped this will become an annual occasion that will continue every year from now on.

It was especially a great pleasure for all those who had given their time, effort and energy so generously to make this a fantastic time for all those that came along to join with friends and family in having a great party.

Steve Church, a brilliant helper at the party, proposed to Tina Reed his lovely girlfriend on Saturday evening, who accepted his proposal and said...“YES”...Congratulations to them both from everyone...!!!

The committee and friends who arranged this excellent party, would like to express their sincere and grateful thanks to...

Dot Quy

Helen Pitfield

Audrey Batchelor

The Town Museum officials – who kindly opened it for this special occasion.

Brian Batchelor

Michael Flanagan

Steve Church

Shirley Smith

Julie Wilson – West Kent Housing

Alex Stevens

D.J. Dave Rowney

Springfield Flowers

The Cockney's Pie & Mash Shop, Firth Road, Croydon